School Parliament

School Parliament at Houghton Regis Primary School

What is a School Parliament?

A School Parliament or School Council is a group of pupils (elected by their peers) who act as representatives of their classmates in discussions around school issues and matters with the head teacher, staff and peers. Our School Parliament help to make decisions about how the school is run and take on projects that support the children’s learning and development, as well as supporting school life and the local community. School Parliament also allows children to engage in the democratic process of election and demonstrates values of democracy and respect. Our School Parliament allows children to have their voices heard and to be part of a whole school and local community. The School Parliament will meet once a month to discuss matters such as, fundraising events, behaviour, playground activities and keeping safe.

Our Aims: 

The aims of the School Parliament at Houghton Regis Primary School are:

• To engage with a democratic process of election, demonstrating values of democracy and respect.
• To enable pupils to feel empowered by their own education.
• To enable pupils to feel that their school responds to their views and needs.
• To enable pupils to have the opportunity to let adults know their feelings and opinions about things that affect them.
• To enable pupils to have a say about decisions, and to play an active role in making their school and community a better place.
• To prepare children to play an active role as citizens.
• To make sure our school is a happy and safe place for all our children.

Skills Provided: 

• Planning, organising and monitoring small projects.
• Speaking and listening skills.
• Debating skills.
• Mediating and negotiating skills.
• Basic budgeting and managing money.